Date Night at Les Résistants – La Table

Yanique Francis

6 hours ago

+ bookmark for your next visit close to Gare de l’est

A Flavorful Adventure

Or: How I Ate My Way Through an Entire Evening and Loved Every Second of It

Paris is always spoiling us with great restaurants—and I, for one, am not complaining! But every now and then, you stumble upon a spot that feels like more than just a meal. Enter Les Résistants – La Table, where dinner becomes a stage, and the real stars are the farmers, fishers, and artisans behind every ingredient.

On this particular chilly January night, the menu theme was Embruns Paysans—a love letter to the sea, the land, and the people who nourish it. From the very first bite, I felt transported, as if I were wandering through Brittany, savoring the salty air and rich soil, all without leaving my cozy seat in Paris.

A Hidden Gem Near Gare de l’Est

Now, if you ever find yourself near Gare de l’Est wondering where on earth to eat—bookmark this place. That area can be very hit-or-miss, but trust me, this is a hit.

The Amuse-Bouches: A Promising Start

The night kicked off with two amuse-bouches that set the tone for what was to come:

A delicate mushroom tartlet with puffed spelt from La Ferme de Fontaine. This little beauty was sweet, lightly crunchy, and so elegant that I momentarily considered making it my new personality.
A beignet made from ancient wheat flour, with a playful tang from kimchi apple and squash. A little crispy, a little tangy, a little mysterious—it was like a tiny bite of poetry.

Bread and Butter—Because We’re in France

I have to talk about the butter. Beurre du Wern was the kind of butter that makes you pause and reevaluate your life choices. Slathered onto a slice of their signature sourdough, it was a chef’s kiss moment—simple, yet wildly indulgent.

The Ceviche That Stole My Heart

Next came the first entrée: a ceviche of line-caught dorade grise from the Maverick fishing boat. It was fresh yet comforting, with Granny Smith apples, celery oil, and Gwell—a creamy, tangy milk from Brittany. Not too citrusy, not too overpowering. Just right. By this point, both my mouth and my heart were fully on board.

The Endive That Smelled So Good, I Stopped Listening

Then came the dish: endive from Voisins Bio, infused with walnut cream and coffee. It smelled so intoxicating that I completely tuned out our server’s description—I was too busy trying to breathe it in.

Now, let’s be real—this dish looked a bit questionable at first. Endive can be tricky! But what a surprise! The bitterness was softened by marinated pears, and the crispy sourdough condiment added a satisfying crunch. It was layered, complex, and honestly? A masterpiece.

This dish also unlocked a memory for me—my first time eating endives in France, made by my son’s grandmother in Normandy. It was the classic endive au jambon (endives baked in béchamel and ham), and I fell in love. Fast forward years later—long after the divorce—and I still miss my Mamie’s cooking. I may not cook endives at home, but every time I see them on a menu, I get a little nostalgic.

The Lieu Jaune That Played with Texture

For the fish course, we had lieu jaune (pollack), line-caught from Audierne and served with kale and butter sauce. The kale? A textural enigma. It somehow managed to be both roasted and raw at the same time—and I was into it.

Octopus Over Beef—An Easy Choice

For the main course, there was a choice between beef and octopus. I went for the octopus (because let’s be honest, red meat isn’t really my thing), and wow, what a dish. Grilled to tender perfection and served with beetroot purée, pomegranate seeds, and a rich jus—it was vibrant, flavorful, and just right. Also, huge plus: no overly pungent octopus smell. A small victory!

Desserts—Oh, You Thought We Were Done?

A little pre-dessert arrived first—a refreshing orange blossom ice cream with candied orange. Then, the real finale: a pavlova featuring Corsican Eureka lemon marmalade, Gwell cream, and spruce ice cream. Tangy, creamy, delicate—chef’s kiss part two.

To finish, a few tiny treats (mignardises): a zesty lemon shortbread and a caramelized apple crêpe. Excuse me while I dream about these forever.

Final Thoughts (Or, How I Nearly Needed a Nap After This Meal)

Was the sheer variety of dishes overwhelming? Yes.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Between the attention to detail, the storytelling behind each plate, and the impeccable service, this was one of those meals that stays with you. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a special night out, Les Résistants – La Table is worth it.

Have you ever had a meal where every dish told a story? Let me know in the comments—I want to hear all about your favorite food adventures!

P.S. I should probably write a separate article about the salted butter packing craze currently taking over Instagram. Should I? (Spoiler: I probably will.)